Visa update

Getting a permanent visa in Australia is a very long and painful experience. It includes so many legal documents, statutory declarations from friends and family and police clearances. I understand their need for these documents, what upsets me is how much money they charge to view your application, only to take years to look at it. As you know, I applied for permanent residency 2 years ago. The day I applied my visa turned into a bridging visa with work and travel restrictions. The work restrictions was later lifted after I applied for it almost one year later. After 15 months on the bridging visa, I was granted a temporary recidency. As a temporary resident I am able to work permanently with most but not all companies,  so my options are limited. I am unable to apply for my dream job, I am unable to get a phone contract, unable to take out most insurances and loans.
I received a letter from the government that I can submitt more supporting documentation, another police clearence and new declarations in a few months. Once recieved they will process my permanent visa application within the next 8 monyhs (10 months from now). So the process begins again, with chasing new documents. At least I am soon allowed to submitt it all, for the final step of my visa processing.

Will let you know once I finally belong in the country I have lived in for the past 3 years.

Xx

A look back at Christmas

Hi all,

I would just like to day that last Christmas,  was the best Christmas in Australia yet. Family and close friends is what it is all about, and this time I had my mum and Tormod here. They cooked us the perfect traditional meal of which I am still dreaming about. Having them here for 3 weeks were great, and I am so grateful they were able to visit.
Luke and I will visit Norway as often as we can afford, in between our visits our doors are always open for visitors!

Below are some of my favorite photos from their visit.

Valentine's Day!

Hi all. I am having internet issues at home, so have not been able to write as often as I would like to. Internet seems to be working on and off now so though I would share our valentine's day. We usually don't do anything on this day as all shops increase prices on all romantic items to scam everyone wanting to celebrate the day of love. This is why yesterday was a big surprise to me as Luke had planned a very romantic dinner at Summit restaurant,  which is based on top of Mt Coot-tha with a view over Brisbane.

The restaurant had a set menu and it was all perfectly prepared and cooked. The table was covered in rose pedals with a lovely looking menu.  Our table was right next to the window with a great view of the city skyscrapers. The desert was the best I have ever had, but it would have been perfect with some berries or sorbet ice cream to break down the rich chocolate. After dinner we looked at the view, with the full moon shining bright above the city. The nigh ended with a movie at home.

We had a great day, and really do hope you all had a lovely Valentine's day!
Write soon, Xx

Wallace photos

Wallace is currently the centre of our world! Just a few photos of how he is looking now, not a puppy anomore. Westie's are supposed to have their aears up, so wallace must be unique with his ears down. 

Starting the blog again!

G'Day to you all.
Just writing to lett you know that I am getting the blog up and running again.
Sometimes it is hard to find stuff to write about as I keep thinking that it is not interesting enough to share on a blog. But it was pointet out to me that the blog is read by family and friends, who loves reading anything and nothing:p

As you know, I was very lucky over the Christmas break as my mum and Tormod was visiting!  I loved having them here for the 3 weeks they were here, and I am so happy they wanted to celebrate Christmas and Mum's birthday together.  I am dreaming of the day they decide to buy a holiday in Australia... Dreaming!

I got a Samsung tablet for my birthday, and this is my first post I have made with it. As most of my photos are still on my laptop, you will have to wait until my next post.

Wont be too long!

Xx